Malaysia reports its first Covid-19 death in 2025
Malaysia recorded its first Covid-19-related death of the year during Epidemiological Week 24 (ME24), according to the Health Ministry.
The fatality involved a patient with serious comorbidities, including heart disease and diabetes, who had not received a second booster dose.
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Rakyat Post
an hour ago
- Rakyat Post
Malaysia Records First COVID-19 Death In 2025
Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia has recorded its first COVID-19-related death of 2025, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 19 June. The fatality occurred during Epidemiological Week 24 (8–15 June). The individual, who had serious pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, had not received the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MoH noted that this was the first COVID-19 death since 26 May 2024, and a significant drop compared to the 57 COVID-related deaths reported in 2024. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, But Situation Under Control As of Week 24, Malaysia has reported 21,738 cumulative COVID-19 cases in 2025, with the weekly average hovering around 900 cases. However, MoH did flag a 68% week-on-week spike, with 3,379 cases reported in Week 24 compared to 2,011 the previous week. Despite the increase, the ministry assured that the national COVID-19 situation remains stable and below the national alert threshold. In terms of severe cases, six patients were admitted to the ICU, all with underlying health issues. All have since been discharged from intensive care; four have returned home, while two remain in regular hospital wards for follow-up treatment. New Variant on the Radar: NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1, a Photo: Freepik WHO has classified Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid transmission and potential health risks. Nimbus spreads faster than previous variants. Common symptoms include: razor-blade-like sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. What You Can Do Health experts continue to urge the public to take precautions, especially as new variants emerge. Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, improve indoor ventilation: open windows, use fans or air purifiers, get tested if you're feeling unwell or exposed to COVID-19, and stay home when sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Photo: Malay Mail While Malaysia's current COVID-19 situation remains under control, this latest death and the emergence of new variants serve as reminders that vigilance and public health measures remain crucial. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia reports first Covid-19 death in 2025
Covid-19 cases rose to 3,379 during ME24, up from 2,011 cases the previous week. 20 Jun 2025 08:35am The Health Ministry urges continued vigilance and adherence to vaccination schedules to keep the situation under control. - Bernama file photo PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia recorded its first Covid-19-related death of the year during Epidemiological Week 24 (ME24), according to the Health Ministry (MOH). The fatality involved a patient with serious comorbidities, including heart disease and diabetes, who had not received a second booster dose. The Health Ministry urges continued vigilance and adherence to vaccination schedules to keep the situation under control. - 123RF photo "This marks a significant decline compared to 57 Covid-19 deaths reported in 2024, with the last fatality recorded on May 26 last year,' it said in a statement yesterday. The decline, it added, reflects the effectiveness of ongoing control measures. However, Covid-19 cases rose to 3,379 during ME24, up from 2,011 cases the previous week. Despite the increase, the national situation remains under control and below the alert threshold, due to ongoing surveillance and public health interventions. To date, a total of 21,738 cases have been reported this year, with the weekly average holding steady at around 900. Six patients were admitted to intensive care during ME24, all with underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and Down syndrome. All received intensive care, with four discharged home and two transferred to general wards. MOH continues to encourage all Malaysians, from unborn babies to the elderly, to stay protected by following appropriate vaccination schedules under the National Immunisation Programme. - BERNAMA
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Systemic overhaul needed to reform healthcare
PETALING JAYA: With Malaysia's healthcare system under mounting strain, health experts and consumer advocates are calling on the government to deliver bold, systemic reforms – not just promises. They say only transformative change can address a system burdened by rising costs, limited access and uneven accountability. 'It can't be another symbolic gesture,' said Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib. 'Superficial adjustments won't be enough, we need real reform to ensure every Malaysian has fair and affordable access to healthcare.' Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that the government would form a high-level task force – comprising representatives from the Health Ministry, Finance Ministry and Bank Negara – to implement bold reforms to fix long-standing inefficiencies in Malaysia's healthcare system. Azrul stressed that entrenched problems, such as fragmented services, opaque pricing and under-regulated private sector players require sweeping and urgent measures. 'The committee should urgently tackle inefficiencies by enforcing price transparency in private hospitals, standardising medical fees and introducing value-based payment systems such as the Diagnosis-Related Group model.' He warned that disjointed data systems between the public and private sectors have led to duplicated services and unnecessary spending, and called for tighter digital integration and regulation of third-party administrators, insurers and private providers to eliminate hidden mark-ups. Azrul also urged a complete overhaul of healthcare financing, pointing out that Malaysia's health expenditure remains below global benchmarks. 'The task force should push for a national health and social insurance model with pooled contributions from employers and employees. 'This would reduce out-of-pocket spending, protect households from catastrophic bills and ensure cost-sharing across the system.' Azrul recommended setting clear key performance indicators requiring regular public updates and mandating independent audits. He also called for parliamentary oversight and the involvement of civil society to ensure transparency and policy continuity. He stressed that reaching underserved groups must be a key priority. 'Private hospitals receiving tax incentives should be required to provide affordable care quotas. We must also expand telemedicine, mobile services and subsidies for rural patients.' Azrul added that small but visible steps could quickly build public trust in the reform effort, such as mandatory itemised billing and a national online platform for patients to report billing complaints. Echoing his concerns, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said Malaysians are facing a dual crisis: spiralling private healthcare costs and overwhelmed public facilities. 'One of the most pressing issues is rising private healthcare costs, where patients are billed without clarity and exposed to unchecked price hikes.' Saravanan noted that medical inflation in Malaysia is among the highest in the region, yet there is no legal mechanism to regulate it or even public data to justify the increases. 'Procedures, room charges, consultation fees and medications must be disclosed and regulated. Itemised bills should be mandatory.' He also called for a national database of verified healthcare pricing and tighter control over insurance premiums. 'Healthcare must be governed by strong public policy. Patients, not profits, must be at the centre.' He proposed the creation of a permanent Consumer Health Advisory Council and digital feedback mechanisms to ensure that reforms are informed by the public's live experiences. 'Fomca also backs the idea of a national health insurance scheme, provided it includes robust protections, such as subsidies for the B40 and M40 income groups and oversight by an independent, non-political body. 'The government must prioritise rural infrastructure, expand mobile clinics and offer incentives for healthcare workers. Healthcare is a public right. 'Without legislation and enforcement, aspirations won't translate into impact. 'It's time for the government to lead, not just manage,' he added.
